2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 PHEV： Beats Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2024 Sea Lion 6 PHEV review: Is this China’s new mid-size SUV that beats hybrids?

The whirlwind of the Australian tour brought another local model, the Sea Lion 6 midsize SUV.

This is a significant arrival for several reasons. First, it gives the Chinese manufacturer access to Australia’s largest sales market, and as aPlug-in hybridHere are three models that BYD has launched since 2022After the Atto 3, the first driven model launched in AustraliaEmission vehicles,andshark…

With annual sales expected to be around 20,000 units, local BYD dealer EVDirect has high hopes for the Sealion 6. it is itsBold triple-double sales targetAnd what will eventually become the cornerstone of Australia’s best-selling brand.

But so far, Australians haveNot much interest, and if they are interested in electrification, they prefer plug-in-free hybrids and pure electric vehicles.

So there must be a lot of work to be done here.

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 price and equipment

Okay, if you’re wondering what Sealion 6 is, it was called Seal U in Australia until recently.

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 cockpit.

But the desire to separate its identity from the electric Seal sedan prompted the change.

Therefore, considering that our coverage is already extensive, we will not repeat much beyond the specification basics.

There are two models available: the 48,990 front-wheel-drive Dynamic and the 52,990 AUD all-wheel-drive Premium (all prices include road rates). This pricing is easily lower than the Sea Lion 6’s most reasonable competitors and puts it in competition with the best-selling, no-plug hybrid.

Both Sealion 6s come with five seats, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and an 18.3kWh BYD "Blade" LFP battery.

Dynamic has one at the front, while Premium has been added to the ICE, with another motor at the back.

All the key performance specs are at the bottom of this story, but essentially, the Sealion 6 uses BYD’s fourth-generation DM-i (dual-motor intelligent) PHEV system to provide a claimed electric range of 80 to 90 kilometers (based on the slower NEDC rating), with a combined range of about 1,000 kilometers.

In essence, a lower-powered Dynamic can go further, and a higher-powered Premium can go faster.

In addition to the mechanics, they are stacked very tightly on the device. They all come with 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, the iconic BYD swivel screen, a comprehensive infotainment system (including karaoke!), as well as safety equipment and vehicle charging. Added to the premium version alone.

The 2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 has a comprehensive infotainment system. Even karaoke!

The vehicle is guaranteed for six years/150,000 km, the battery is guaranteed for eight years/160,000 km, the maintenance interval is 12 months/20,000 km, and the first five maintenance costs total $1600.

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6: Our Thoughts

Riding in the 2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 Premium, the first impression is luxurious, luxurious; large screen, soft covering. Only the rough stretching and tilt adjustment on one car hints at quality defects.

It lacks the unique nautical theme of the Atto 3. Instead, it has a modern and inviting appearance, which is typical of Chinese automakers.

Comfortable and flat power-adjustable front and rear seats, even for tall passengers, also provide support for this, with rear seats that can be raised for better views and that can recline but not slide.

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 rear seat.

The car comes with ample storage space, dual smartphone wireless chargers on the front, and front and rear USB ports.

The downside is that the trunk is only 425 litres, which is too small compared to competitors such as the Toyota RAV4. After the rear seats are folded, the trunk space can be expanded to 1440 litres. But you can’t find a spare tire, only a repair tool.

Our first drive was limited to Lang Lang’s old proving ground, so it didn’t cover all driving conditions; there were few stops, and that’s where the hybrid comes in the most.

But it does offer the opportunity to learn the basics of Sealion 6, and they seem to work well.

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6.

The powertrain wants to run as purely electric as possible (in tandem blended mode), but the driver can choose parallel mode to be on call and make a sound when more power is needed. There are also three driving modes – Economy, Normal and Sport.

The gasoline engine primarily acts as a range extender, so no matter what your left foot is doing, it will basically hum in the background in a steady state.

It does take an active part in driving the wheels at high speeds, under higher loads (e.g. when towing on a hill or when the battery is depleted). Drivers can also set the battery charge status when the ICE is started.

Just then, the stupid official fuel consumption statement was exposed as a fantasy.

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6.

BYD’s argument is that most Australians only drive an average of 30km a day, so they may never use any fuel. If they drive longer distances, they won’t worry about charging because ICE can act as a backup.

Although the powertrain experience is very smooth, the Sea Lion 6 Premium doesn’t feel like a vehicle with 228kW and 550Nm, nor is it capable of accelerating from standstill to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds as claimed.

It’s sturdy, but it’s not.So…Solid.

The rest of the driving experience reminds us that Chinese manufacturers still have a long way to go in terms of fine-tuning the ride, handling, and steering.

The Sea Lion 6 is locally tested and tuned for a soft and comfortable setting, which means there is a noticeable body roll around corners. The steering is adjustable in both modes, but both are light. So it makes sense that this is better for more stressful city work.

In its class, it lags far behind the best drivers, but at first glance it is also more composed than its Chinese compatriots, the H6, and the MG HS.

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6.

The lane-keeping intervention is delicate by Chinese standards. No one ever grabbed the wheel with force and impact during the hands-free self-driving tests – which is nice, but not legal. A fix has been scheduled for release.

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6: Verdict

The 2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 has an impressive powertrain, ample equipment, and a price tag that allows it to compete with major competitors, such as a range of high-end products.

At first glance – definitely more driving is needed – it feels powerful and comfortable to ride. But in terms of dynamics, there are better vehicles in the field.

The question is whether Australians will eventually seize the opportunity presented by Sea Lion 6 to adopt PHEV technology in large numbers, and whether enthusiast enthusiasm for BYD will translate into a wider audience.

It may seem like a daunting challenge, but within just a few years of landing in Australia, the BYD Cyclone taught us that anything is possible.

Score: 3.5/5

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 Dynamic Specifications

Price: AUD 48,990 (plus travel)

Basic configuration: 5-Seater, 5-door, mid-size SUV, front-wheel drive

Cruising range: 92 kilometers (electric) 1092 kilometers (comprehensive)

Battery capacity: 18.3kWh LFP

Power system: 1.5 liter four-cylinder gasoline electric

Output: 72kW/122Nm (motor: 145kW/300Nm)

Combined output: 160kW/300Nm

Transmission:Single speed CVT

Fuel consumption: 1.1L/100km (ADR combined)

Carbon dioxide: 24 g/km (combined ADR)

Energy consumption: 16.9kWh/100km

AC charging: 7kW

DC charging: 18kW

2024 BYD Sea Lion 6 Premium Specifications

Price: AUD 52,990 (plus travel)

Basic configuration: Gas-electric hybrid, 5-seat, 5-door, mid-size SUV, all-wheel drive

Cruising range: 81 kilometers (electric) 961 kilometers (comprehensive)

Battery capacity: 18.3kWh LFP

Power system: 1.5-Liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline electric

Output power: 96kW/220Nm (before motor: 150kW/300Nm; after motor: 120kW/250Nm)

Integrated output: 238kW/550Nm

Transmission:Single speed CVT

Fuel consumption: 1.4L/100km (ADR combined)

Carbon dioxide: 32 g/km (combined ADR)

Energy consumption: 17.9kWh/100km

AC charging: 7kW

DC charging: 18kW